Volunteer has an ear for helping

A woman who has spent years helping the deaf community to access police services has been recognised for her dedication.

Jill Hipson, 53, from Berkhamsted, has been a volunteer for the force for four years.

Her primary role has been to assist the constabulary in breaking down the barriers of communication within the deaf community.

She has worked extensively with the management of custody so that information can be easily understandable to a deaf person.

And among her many achievements, Jill’s work has prompted a revamp of the rights and entitlements paperwork which is provided to prisoners when they enter custody.

Chief Inspector Stuart Orton said: “I am very grateful to all our police support volunteers, who, have already contributed more than 7,000 volunteering hours this year.

“Our volunteers represent the support the community provides to keep people safe, reduce crime and catch criminals.”

Jill was one of a number of police volunteers recognised as part of National Volunteers’ Week.

Other staff who were recognised included 76-year-old Zia Qadeer who won the Volunteering Commitment Award for volunteering thousands of hours at the force’s tape library, 15-year-old Jamie Head who was Cadet Of The Year, and Victoria Baker and Gary Stevens who were named joint winners of the Special Constable Student Officer of the Year award.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd said: “These awards have been made to recognise the work of volunteers in helping to keep Hertfordshire safe.

“Their stories show that whatever your interest, skill‐set or experience you can play your part in Hertfordshire.”

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